Subject: A rare portrait of the engineer Jean Rodolphe Perronet, captioned: Optimo viro et clarissimo civi Joanni Rodolpho Perronet * Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 15.4 x 20.7 inch. The image size is ca. 11.8 x 17.6 inch. * Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 39 x 52.5 cm. The image size is ca. 30 x 44.7 cm. * Medium: Original etching and engraving on a verge type hand laid paper. * Condition: Very good given age. A small hole in the lower margin, a small repaired tear in the right margin. General age-related toning, please study scan carefully. Description: This attractive original old antique print / plate originates from: 'Description des Projets et de la Construction des Ponts de Neuilly, de Mantes, d'Orleans et autres, du Projet du Canal de Bourgogne, Pour la Communication des deux Mers par Dijon, et de celui de la Conduite des Eaux de l'Yvette et de Bievre a Paris' (and the Supplement), by Jean Rodolphe Perronet, (Translation: Description of the projects and construction of the bridges of Nieully. Mantes, Orleans and others, the project of the Canal of Burgundy, for the connection of the two seas through Dijon, and those for the canals of Yvette and Bievre in Paris.), Paris: Imprimerie Royale, 1782-83 (the supplement published by Didot & Jombert, 1789). Jean Rodolphe Perronet (1708-1794) was a French architect and strucutral engineer, best known for his stone arch bridges. He is regarded as the father of modern bridge building, as his efforts brought the masonry bridge to technical and aesthetic perfection. In 1747 Perronet was named director of the Bureau des dessinateurs du Roi (Royal office of designers). At this first 'Ecole des ponts et chaussees' Perronet was given the task of training bridge and road engineers and of overseeing their work in the regions in which they worked. The Bureau became the Bureau des eleves des ponts et chaussees, then in 1775 was renamed the Ecole des ponts et chaussees. Its organiser, inspiration and teacher, Perronet was a true spiritual father to his students and used a new teaching method which seems very contemporary to modern eyes. He was named 'Premier ingenieur du Roi' in 1763, and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1788, after having become a member of the Academie des sciences in 1765. Besides the bridges, 2500 kilometers of road were made or repaired under Perronet's direction.Artists and Engravers: Engraved by Auguste de St. Aubin after C.N. Cochin.